The nomination process for the annual canine king and queen contest at the St. Paul Winter Carnival has officially opened. Dog owners can submit nominations until January 11, 2026, for their pets to compete for the titles of Canine King Boreas and Queen of the Snows. This year, online voting will commence on January 12 and continue through January 25.
The crowned dogs will serve as the royal representatives at the Doggie Depot event, which will take place at Union Depot in downtown St. Paul on February 1, 2026. This dog-friendly gathering will feature a grand crowning ceremony alongside the St. Paul Winter Carnival royal family. Unlike previous years, the crowned canines will not participate in the King Boreas Grande Day Parade, scheduled for January 24.
According to Amy Struve, marketing manager of Union Depot, the decision to exclude the dogs from the parade results from the extensive planning involved and the upcoming centennial celebrations for Union Depot. The venue will celebrate its 100-year anniversary in 2026, creating an exciting atmosphere for the event. “You’ll have to come to Doggie Depot to see the king and queen,” Struve stated, hinting at future appearances in parades.
To enter your dog in this unique contest, owners can submit photos and relevant information through the Union Depot website at uniondepot.org/doggiedepot. The contest is free, and all nominated dogs will advance to the voting round, which will occur from January 12 to January 25. During this period, an online poll will present all nominated dogs, allowing the public to vote for their favorite contenders. The winners will be announced on Union Depot’s social media platforms on January 27.
The St. Paul Winter Carnival is set to run from January 22 to February 1, 2026. The Doggie Depot event, offering free admission, will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on February 1, featuring dog yoga at 9 a.m. In addition to the crowning ceremony, attendees can explore local vendors showcasing dog-related products and meet various rescue organizations with adoptable pets.
In last year’s contest, the reigning canine royalty were Queen Kairi, an American Pit Bull Terrier known for her volunteer work with Save-A-Bull Rescue, and King Grover, a Goldendoodle who successfully campaigned for votes through social media. As nominations open for the upcoming Winter Carnival, dog owners in St. Paul have a delightful opportunity to showcase their pets and celebrate the winter season.
